Inspired reading: Bill Gates lists the top ten books of 2012 that made him think

Bill Gates is a well-read guy, and it’s been that way for a while. He would check out books from the library so much as a youngster that the librarian wouldn’t give him new ones until he returned a few.

So it’s safe to assume that his top ten books of 2012 are legitimate. The Microsoft co-founder writes that he “read some amazing books this year.”

“Every one of these books changed my worldview, and I highly recommend them if you’re looking for inspiring reading,” Gates wrote.

Here are the top ten books that made Gates “think.” Each is linked to a written review that Gates himself penned.

Taylor Soper is GeekWire's managing editor, responsible for coordinating the newsroom, planning coverage, and editing stories. A native of Portland, Ore., and graduate of the University of Washington, he was previously a GeekWire staff reporter, covering beats including startups and sports technology. Follow him @taylor_soper and email taylor@geekwire.com.